Verdon Canyon

Europe’s most spectacular canyon, wild, unspoilt territory where extreme sports and sensations reign supreme. From the top hill villages you can enjoy a wonderful view all the way down to the lake of the gorges.

Green Provence

Rivers, mountains, vineyards, a sacred forest, the Sainte-Baume where St. Mary Magdalene took refuge: This green landscape was a haven of peace for the counts of Provence who sheltered from the hot weather in their castles during the summer.

Mediterranean Provence

From fishing villages to mountain-top villages, from the vines of Bandol to the palm trees of the îles d’Or, Mediterranean Provence holds out one of Europe’s loveliest coastlines and natural sites of exceptionally unspoilt character.

Bay of St Tropez & French Riviera

The Mediterranean’s most renowned corner of paradise, with the hilltop village-strewn Massif des Maures as its backdrop. The vivid red of the Estérel rocks contrasts with the indigo of the sea as you journey back through time.

Secret Provence

On the trail of Europe's ancient civilisations, these breathtaking hilly landscapes set in the heart of traditional Provence positively brim with vineyards of renown, picturesque mediaeval villages, monasteries and craft workshops.

Nautical Distances

SAINT CYR SUR MER: Introduction to the Calanques beauties

Surrounded by pine forests and famed vineyards, to be discovered along the Sentier des Vignes, the bay has a 2-km fine sandy beach that is on the Sentier du Littoral coastal path, with the fabulous Calanques de Cassis rocky inlets nearby.

BANDOL: Wine Capital of Provence

A highly prized seaside resort on the Côte d’Azur, Bandol offers many fine sandy beaches and a bustling seafront lined with pretty shops. Bandol is famous for its wines, which are served at the finest restaurants around the world.

SANARY SUR MER: The authenticity of Provence, the charm of the Riviera

You are sure to be seduced by this authentic little fishing village, with its rows of traditional, brightly coloured boats. All year round, in the shade of its bustling streets, lovers of art, crafts and design will be in their element.

LES EMBIEZ ISLAND: A shelter for nature & oceanography lovers

TOULON: A port in the heart of the city

Between sea and mountain, in the heart of one of Europe’s finest natural harbours, maritime and Provençal Toulon is sure to amaze you with its beaches, cable car, old town, authentic Provençal market and a host of other treasures.

FREJUS A LAND OF ELEGANCE

SAINT RAPHAËL: French Riviera and Gateway to the French Gran Canyon

Overhanged by the Massif de l’Esterel (characteristic ochre moutain range), Saint Raphaël and Fréjus, vibrant and bustling, offer a host of nautical and nature activities. The Gorges du Verdon, France’s very own Grand Canyon, and the hinterland villages, abound in appeal.

Gastronomy & Local Region

Var, a gentle land where the simple joys of good living and good food are cultivated. Come and discover the pleasures of our countryside, the protected natural environment, local producers and good food with the subtle flavours of our Provence.

The Good Life

With its natural and cultural riches, each visitor may find in Var a real box of authentic delights: crickets beneath the breeze, fields of lavender and olive trees, vines and orchards, fine sandy beaches, Provence markets, warm and colourful…

Crafts

The department’s artists and craft workers invite you to meet them in their workshops, so they may share their knowledge and methods with you, along with their tools, their tricks of the trade and their passion.

Themed Trails

These trails are an original means of discovering the many faces of Var: history, nature and the land... They point you towards Var’s best-kept secrets and subtleties, inviting you to breathe in, savour, listen and contemplate during your stay.

Sports and Leisure

With its varied landscapes, its tumultuous rivers, its peaceful lakes, its mountains, its hiking and discovery trails, its thick forests, not to mention its coastline and its 300 days of sunshine a year, Var represents the ideal place for a whole range of outdoor activities.

Architectural Heritage

Var, the land that welcomed civilisations and trade, offers astonishing architectural heritage. Discover medieval villages and the wealth of religious heritage with its shrines, chapels, churches and Charterhouses.

Natural Heritage

Var has a very rich natural heritage, to the delight of nature lovers. You will be seduced by the many massifs and hillsides wooded with pines and oaks, terraced olive groves and paths running through the vines.

History

Var abounds in many relics, bearing witness to its history. From megaliths to Roman cities, to the memorial to the Second World War, Var reveals its rich past through remarkable natural sites and museums.

Your selection

Natural Heritage

Var has a very rich natural heritage, to the delight of nature lovers. You will be seduced by the many massifs and hillsides wooded with pines and oaks, terraced olive groves and paths running through the vines.

Explore the Ile de Porquerolles [Porquerolles Island]

Ile de Porquerolles [Porquerolles Island] is the largest of the Iles d’Or [Golden Islands]. Visitors to this protected site can enjoy wonderful walking and cycling trails, beautiful sandy beaches and superb views over the sparkling sea. The rich soil supports several vineyards, whose owners will be happy to share their passion for wine with you through tastings. Why not grab a bottle and find a spot for a nice picnic?

Trip to Port Cros and the Iles d’Or [Golden Islands]

L’ile de Port Cros, situated between Porquerolles and the Ile du Levant, is the smallest of the three Iles d'Or [Golden Islands]. The Port-Cros National Park was established in 1963 as the first national marine park in Europe. This protected area is home to a wide collection of both terrestrial and marine species that are characteristic of the western Mediterranean. Whether on land or in the sea, nature lovers will be delighted to discover the fauna and flora of this preserved corner of paradise.

A paradise for Mediterranean plants on the Island of Porquerolles

Our expert botanist specialising in Mediterranean plants will introduce you to the rich vegetation on this island of paradise, all of it set in a protected nature reserve, a unique site with diverse flora: forests of pine and heather, vineyards, strawberry trees and stone pines, to name just a few. Then you’ll have the chance to chat with our expert over a Provencal aperitif on an outdoor terrace or in another exceptional setting before dining in a charming restaurant where Provencal dishes are the speciality.

Snorkelling around an island of paradise, Porquerolles

In this protected nature reserve with diverse aquatic flora and fauna that make it truly exceptional, a guide specialised in the Mediterranean sea environment will snorkel alongside you, and describe the different varieties of species you will see. You’ll have the chance to chat with our expert and learn more about what you’ve just seen over a Provencal aperitif on an outdoor terrace or in another exceptional setting before dining in a charming restaurant where Provencal dishes are the speciality.

Secret little coves, peaceful beaches and the islands of Bandol.

Our licensed guide, a specialist on the region will take you along with him, solo or in pairs in canoes to discover the secret gardens along Bandol's coast. The coves here are filled with turquoise water, and they’re accessible only by boat. Provencal aperitif and dinner on an outdoor terrace or in another exceptional setting.

The Grand Canyon of France: the Verdon gorge

The “Grand Canyon of France” is a magical place – a dream come true for anyone who loves nature and adventure. You’ll explore the Verdon gorge in kayaks with our expert kayak guide who also just happens to be a specialist on the region. He’ll show you breath-taking views and eagles’ nests perched atop the cliffs along the entire gorge. Provencal aperitif and dinner on an outdoor terrace or in another exceptional setting.

Michel’s orchids

Since 1886, the Vacherot family has been driven by a passion for tropical orchids. This tour leads you through the greenhouses where you will learn about the plant’s life cycle and how to grow this flower that can happen to be a little bit difficult. And innovation is an integral part of things here – the laboratory can create new varieties in vitro, and it works for the preservation of plant species that are threatened with extinction in their natural habitat!

From the Middle Ages to the vineyards…

This tour will take you through the small streets of the medieval village of Parage, whose history lives in its rich architecture, the chapel, the tower and more. In the heart of the medieval city, chef Max Callegari welcomes you to his restaurant, the Logis du guetteur, for an unforgettable gastronomical meal rich with all the flavours of Provence. You may choose to combine this tour with an introduction and wine tasting at the Maison des vins de Provence, where an oenologist will reveal all the secrets of the wines in the Côtes de Provence appellation.

Olive presses in Draguignan

Visit the village where they are wild for olives, and they will show you the village olive press that dates from the 17th century, in use until the freeze of 1956; it was renovated in 2008 and today you can see the presses, the millstone and the water wheel. Enjoy a tour and tasting at the Moulin de Callas where the Bérenguier family has been making extra-virgin olive oil for 4 generations, oil that wins prizes at the agricultural fair in Paris. Picnic in a picnic area or try a gastronomic lunch at the Hostellerie des gorges de Pennafort (1 Michelin star).

Rayol Mediterranean Gardens

A world of landscapes awaits all lovers of botany in this garden, which has been entirely redesigned by Gilles Clément. Explore landscapes and flora from across the globe, with Mediterranean climates (California, Chile, South Africa & Australia), other temperate or arid climates (Canaries, Asia, Argentina, New Zealand, Mexico). You may also browse the "Librairie du Jardinier" [Gardener’s Bookshop], specialising in botanical subjects, before stopping for a coffee and a pastry in the "Café des Jardiniers".

Nature trips in Esterel

From delicate orchids to hardy aromatic plants, from perfume to colour, the naturalist guide will astonish and enthuse you and free your spirit. It's a matter of a real encounter: take the time to reawaken your senses, breathe in the oxygen and enrich your being as you contemplate the natural heritage.

Explore Esterel by mehari

Penetrate the Estérel National Forest at the wheel of a méhari to explore its mysteries. You will explore the magnificent Estérel massif and be given information on its fauna and flora, its legends and its history. An opportunity to try some local Var produce is also on the programme.

Discover Esterel another way

National Forest Office guides will supply you with all the details concerning the fauna and how to recognize the various species of trees and plants. There will be initiation into interpreting a forest landscape, the history and management of the massif by the forest workers and some other themes presented. Two short walks are provided for anyone wanting them.